2029 NBN Playoff Predictions: Western Conference Round 1
Sept 8, 2024 17:22:27 GMT
josephballin11 likes this
Post by cop5414 on Sept 8, 2024 17:22:27 GMT
2029 NBN Western Conference Playoffs Round 1
#1 Sacramento Kings [62-20] vs #8 Dallas Mavericks [36-46]
This could be the Milwaukee Bucks believe it or not. Hopefully thos next draft helps the West get their crap together. Now what do I think of the Kings? Well Fox and Claxton are still freaks, but they 're not near as scary as they were last season. Biggest difference is Keegan Murray returning to form. He averaged near 30ppg last year, he 's sub-20 once again. But hey the current status of the West you've no choice but yo win a lot of games if the team looks competent. Do I think the Kings would still be a 60+ win team in the East? Nope, probably hovering in that 55-59 win range if I'm being honest. Initially at first I thought the Kings would probably just walk away with another NBN final berth, Jazz had no depth (and still don't), Thunder has seem less than interested in competing this season, and the Grizzlies suffered a point guard problem. Most those problems have been somewhat solved, the Jazz traded for leafue MVP and DPOTY Wemby, and the Grizzlies dropped an assload of cash to have Brunson prepped for the post season. I believe in all likelyhood the Kings come out of the
West for the 4th time in 7 years, but it shouldn't look so easy this year. Now as for the Mavericks, I'll just say they are less than happy to be here. It is said to be the best draft of all time and with the clinching of the 8th seed they'll have no shot at a top 10 pick. So I guess Eddie Jones!!!!
Kings in 4
#2 Vancouver Grizzlies [52-30] vs #7 Minnesota Timberwolves [37-45]
The Timberwolves caught a lot of crap lately over several sudden roster decisions. Well it don't matter what you think of the trades now, cause they've made it to the post season!! Take that you complainers!! Probably wasn't the point of those arguements however. Sad news is they've got only only one game without having to gameplan for the natural scoring Jalen Brunson who has miraculously made a recovery from an ACL tear. Must be something in the water in Vancouver. I really don't expect much to happen for the T-Wolves in this series, unless you happen to the new ROTY Alexander Belov has anything to say about it. He won't, but I'll still give Minnesota a game.
Grizzlies in 5
#3 Oklahoma City Thunder [53-29] vs #6 Golden State Warriors [42-40]
I had predicted them to win the 2nd most games this season simply based on their standing in the West. 53 wins and the 4th most is still good. Especially when they've dismantled their roster in the way that they did. I mean at one point the Thunder had both Embiid and Wemby. I mean at that point they also had to throw solid depth piece Immanuel Quickley at point, but my point is they've managed to succeed more than they should. I doubt carmelo sees himself as having any realistic chance at winning a title this season, but the more curious thing here is the acquirement of one you g prospect named Baba Oladotun. I've heard plenty of where his potential sits, still mang questions and not so many guaranteeed promises. Whether he's an Wemby replacement level talent probably won't be fully answered for at least another 3 or 4 seasons. Can't forget their opponent in the Golden State Warriors who lost their GM this past offseason. Cheddar where art thou? This team's construction indicates that they were under the impression that there is no such thing as an 7th man, 8th man, or even 9th man. The depth simply isn't there and while the have a strong starting core, none of them are in that cream of the crop at their positions. If there is one thing I find interesting it'd be the third year SF Efeosa Oliogu. Doubt he's anthing more than a 15 & 6 type of guy, but I'd have to wonder what an year of a camp and possibly a late bloomer (he might be ove mpg limit) could do. I don't see the Warriors moving on but they'll put up a fight.
Thunder in 6
#4 Utah Jazz [50-32] vs #5 Los Angeles Clippers [47-35]
Beat chance of an upset in the West is this series right here. The Clippers have an complete starting core, the Jazz is throwing whoever they can to pair next to Wemby. But yeah, the Jazz got Wemby who finally bestowed his rightful MVP award. Depth, neither team seems to have much. Clippers will run out Ayton to back up the 4 & 5, the Jazz will have Miles Bridges as their super utility man. I respect both but I don't love either. I'm really trying to convince myself to pick the Clippers for the upset, but I'm having trouble getting over the Wemby factor. MVP and DPOTY wrapped up in one, it took the Kings two seperate players last season. Also they've got a huge reboundimg advantage, averaged +58 to the clippers 54.7. Usually not a good sign for teams. It might take some DC wizardry if the first sim doesn't go well for LA. I'll take the Jazz.
Jazz in 7
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